Rectangular Metal Tube Bending

Bending rectangular tubing is a more difficult process than round tube bending (all else being equal: surface area, radius, wall thickness, material type, etc.). As with almost all metal bending processes, the tighter the bend, the more difficult it becomes. Similarly, bending rectangular tubing with thinner walls is more difficult than bending thicker walls (provided the bending machine has the power to curve the thicker sections).

Unlike round tubing, however, rectangular tubing can be rolled “off-axis,” as in the case of the Little Village Academy (see photo below). For this project, Chicago Metal Rolled Products (CMRP) provided 14” x 4” x 3/8” bent rectangular tubing that was rolled to inside radii from 17’ to 21’, with a 10.9° pitch.

Bent Rectangular Tube: Hard Way vs. Easy Way

In most instances, rectangular tube is bent either the “hard way” (x-x axis) or the “easy way” (y-y axis). It is usually the case, however, that even though more pressure is required to produce a bend the hard way, the resulting curved rectangular tube is less likely to distort precisely because it is more rigid than a section curved the easy way. Easy way rectangular tube bending is more likely to produce a somewhat concave inside diameter.

Whether you project requires curved rectangular tube bent the hard way or the easy way, CMRP are the experts you can trust. Request a quote on rectangular tube bending for your project, or contact us to learn more.

Rectangular Tube Bending Images

The Rectangular Tube Curving Experts

Without the correct tooling, machinery, and method, and a skilled operator, rectangular tube bending can result in distortion. The most common form of distortion is concavity on the inside diameter of the section; there are cases, however, where a project can actually benefit from significant concavity on the inside diameter because, in certain applications, this concavity makes the section actually stronger.

With the correct tooling, machinery, and procedures, excellent quality can be achieved, even with tight-radius, thin-wall rectangular tube bending. For example, Chicago Metal Rolled Products has curved 16” x 8” x 1/2” rectangular tube the easy way to an 11’ inside radius.

CMRP can produce curved rectangular tube in sizes from 1” x 1/2” to 20” x 12”, and virtually every size in between. We use advanced machinery and hundreds of die sets to create high precision bent rectangular tube.

We utilize a variety of methods and techniques, including rotary draw bending with mandrels, three-roll bending, four-roll bending, and compression bending. With these techniques, machines, and tooling at our disposal, our customers’ rectangular tube bending projects rarely include tooling charges.

Value-Added Services for Rectangular Tube Bending

In addition to rectangular tube bending, Chicago Metal Rolled Products also provides a variety of ancillary operations, including saw cutting, drilling, and welding.

Applications for Curved Rectangular Tube

Bent rectangular tube is used in OEM applications like roll-over protection, framework, bumpers, and playground equipment. Architectural structures of all kinds are built using bent rectangular tube: roofs, trellises, canopies, arches, balconies, and portals. Like round and square tubing, rectangular tubing can be formed into a helix, most often for circular staircases.

Click here to learn how to properly specify curved rectangular tube sections.

Contact Us for Complete Rectangular Tube Curving Service

Chicago Metal Rolled Products has the skills, experience, and technology needed to produce precision curved rectangular tubing for your project. Request a quote or contact us for the bent rectangular tubing you need.